step by step to get to Iceland

find family / au pair, sign contract

insurance

The host family must pay for a health and accident insurance for the au pair (see also "rules and regulations - health, accident and liability insurance").

visa

For entry into Iceland, au pairs must normally have a national visa which permits this type of activity. The body responsible for issuing this visa is the Icelandic diplomatic mission (embassy, consulate) in the country of origin.

further documents

Which further documents the au pair probably needs to bring along?

To proof the payment of the pocket money, most families will want to transfer the money to a bank account of the au pair. Therefore the host family should check what documents the bank asks for to open a bank account for an au pair, so the au pair can organize them at home already (see also “bank account” below).

If the au pair wants to drive a car in the host country, (s)he eventually needs e.g. a legally attested copy of the national driving license. See also “driving license” further below.

organize trip

The trip will normally be organized by the au pair, of course in accordance with the host family.

Even when everything is clear and all questions are asked, it's good to stay in touch until the journey starts - it's important that also the children get to know that a new au pair is coming and communicating from time to time through Skype is a good way to get used to each other.

start journey

What to take with you as au pair? In our community you can find tips from other au pairs!

Please note: Border authorities may examine whether the prerequisites for entry continue to apply. This examination is international practice. The au pair might be refused entry even though (s)he is in the possession of a valid visa, if the prerequisites for entry no longer apply.

Therefore the au pair should carry with him/her documents giving evidence to the purpose of the stay - in particular proof of sufficient funds (au pair contract) and health insurance.

step by step once you're in Iceland

Au pairWorld

arrive

Although it's not mandatory, normally the host family picks up the au pair from the airport or train station (or organizes a pick-up).

The first days should then be reserved for getting to know each other and introducing the au pair to the family's daily routines.

residence registration

The au pair also needs to go to the Directorate of Immigration office, or to the nearest District Commissioner office to be photographed for a residence permit card.

The Directorate of Immigration applies for an ID number as a part of the application for a residence permit

Within 2 weeks from entering Iceland, the au pair needs to undergo a medical examination. Detailed information can be found here.

work permit

The work permit is granted together with the residence permit.

bank account

The pocket money is normally paid directly into a bank account.

Banks make different demands regarding who can open a bank account. All banks, however, will require an ID Number and personal identification with a photo.

driving a car

Driving licenses issued in non EU/EEA countries give the holder the right to drive in Iceland for up to one month after he or she has registered a legal domicile in Iceland. After that it is necessary to hold an Icelandic driver's license in order to drive in Iceland.

elongate visa / apply for residence permit

step by step to change family in Iceland

find new family

If the au pair wishes to terminate the contract, he/she must inform the Directorate of Immigration.

If an au pair enters into a new contract with another host family the contract and its accompanying documents shall be submitted to the Directorate of Immigration.

insurance

As normally the family pays for the insurance, either the current insurance must be taken over by the new family or the current insurance is terminated and a new policy is issued.

residence registration

If the au pair needs to move his/her legal domicile in Iceland it is necessary to fill out the form "Notification of change of address within Iceland". The form can be found on the website of the National Register.